The game is played on a table similar to the blackjack tables. There are three circles in front of each player on the table. The circles are marked with the numbers 1. 2 and $. To start the game a player places three equal bets in each circle. The Shuffle Master machine deals out cards three at a time. The dealer places the three-card hand in front of each player. After each player receives his cards the dealer discards one card leaving two cards face down in front of the dealer. The machine counts out the remaining cards into the discard tray. When this is finished the players are allowed to look at their three-card hand. At this point you have the option to take back your bet in circle number one or Let It Ride. To take back you bet you scrape your cards on the table toward you or make a brushing motion with your hand.
After all the players have made their decisions the dealer will turn up first of the two community cards which is in front of the dealer. This card is used as the forth card for all the player's hands. You now have the option of taking down your second bet or letting it ride. You may take down the second bet even if you let the first bet ride but you can not take down or put the first bet back up.

After all the players make their decision about the second bet, the dealer will turn up the second community card. This card completes the five-card hand for every player. At this point the dealer will pay all the winning bets according to the pay table.

The House Edge for the basic game is approx. 3.5% when you play the correct strategy. You must know which hands you should take down and when to "Let It Ride".

Let It Ride Strategy and Pay Table

Let Bet #1 Ride if you have..

A Winning Hand - Pair of Tens or Better.
A Three Card Royal Flush.
A Three Card Straight Flush.

Let Bet #2 Ride if you have..

A Winning Hand - Pair of Tens or Better.
A Four Card Royal or Straight Flush.
A Four Card Flush.
Four High Cards.
A Four Card Open Ended Straight.

Royal Flush 1,000 to 1
Straight Flush 200 to 1
Four of a Kind 50 to 1
Full House 11 to 1
Flush 8 to 1
Straight 5 5 to 1
Three of a Kind 3 to 1
Two Pairs 2 to 1
Pair of Tens or Better 1 to 1

The Bonus bet pay table varies from casino to casino.The house edge can range from 15 to 30% depending on the payouts. Here is a sample of a bonus pay table from a casino on the east coast. This pay table has a house edge of approx. 25%.

Bonus Pay Table
Royal Flush 20,000
Straight Flush 2,000
Four-or-a-Kind 100
Full House 75
Flush 50
Straight 25
Three-of-a-Kind 8
Two Pair 4